Hassan Bayyan
Tell us about your work/research. What kinds of things do you do?
My job is to articulate the wonders and plights of the natural world to the general public, advanced animal and behavioral husbandry, assisting with veterinary procedures. In practice this looks like articulating complex conservation initiatives to the general public in a way that is fun and engaging, working with my team as well as the other teams here at the zoo to provide the best mental and physical care to the animals under our care.
What sparked your initial interest in your career?
From reading Zoobooks to watching Zoboomafoo, to impersonating Steve Irwin by stealing shoelaces to create a "top jaw rope", I have been completely enthralled by the natural world from the moment I could walk and probably before. My journey has taken me across 5 states and 4 countries learning more about animals, their habitats, and what threatens them. I continue to be inspired by different aspects of the field with my current interest being in animal behavior but, this is truly a career where the more you learn the WILDER it gets!
Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?
My Dad, even though he didn't have much of an affinity for animals (unless they were on a plate), he taught me to look deeply into myself to discover what made me happy. To follow up that passion and talent for communication with hard work, consistency, and determination. He instilled in me a deep sense of pride and drive to be whomever I wanted to be. Although he is no longer here, his memory and the lessons he taught remain indelible.
What element of your work/study do you think is the most fascinating?
Working with animals, all of it is interesting. Animal behavior is my current favorite, but if you had asked me this question last year, I would have said introducing a child, acacia browse in hand, to meet a giraffe. Before that, I might have said anatomy, since keratin, the protein found in your hair and fingernails, is also the same substance that makes up a snake’s scales, a horse’s hooves, the baleen plates in whales, and a rhino’s horns. Even the nomenclature is fun, like a 'crash of rhinos,' a 'tower of giraffes,' or a 'parliament of owls.'"
How did you get involved with the Ocean Exploration Trust?
I applied for the science communicator fellowship after a few friends told me I should go for it because it seemed like something I would be good at and have fun with. Shout out to everyone who encouraged me along this process especially my NEWF mentor Erin Ranney!!!
What other jobs led you to your current career?
I have been in conservation education or Zookeeper roles my entire adult life. It was the rise of the social media animal influencer that pushed me into science communication after seeing people peddling incredibly harmful practices and saying deeply troubling things online.
What are your degrees and certifications?
I have no current degrees but, I am working on that now.
What are your hobbies?
Honestly learning about the natural world is my main hobby but, I do like to cook, eat, play with my wife and kids, and I watch way too much breaking points on YouTube.
What advice would you give someone who wants to have a career like yours?
1.) Study one of the zoological sciences in school
2.) Study the social sciences like Psychology
3.) Intern at an AZA Aquarium or Zoo
4.) Work very hard in those internships while continuing to edify outside of work
5.) Once you get in the field working really hard to stay on top of industry trends and best practices
